The NDC Presidential candidate, Prof John Atta-Mills, emerged from the shadows of his running mate, Hon John Mahama, this week with a mouthful of lies.

A few days ago, in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa constituency, Prof Mills accused NPP members who left the country at the height of the PNDC dictatorship of cowardice. Then today, in Winneba, the NDC Presidential candidate pledged that he will reduce the price of petrol if elected and accused the NPP of running a system of arbitrary arrests, particularly with regards to drivers.

First, many brave Ghanaians at one time or the other in the 1980’s suffered death, imprisonment or exile at the hands of the murderous PNDC regime led by the father and founder of the NDC, former President Rawlings. Amongst those who died were the three high court judges and a retired army officer, whose deaths are commemorated every June 30th. Amongst those jailed were Akenteng Appiah Menka, Kwame Pianim and Sam Okudzeto, as well as Tommy Thompson and Obeng Manu, both deceased. Included in the many who spent time in exile were the late Victor Owusu, former Presidential candidate, Mr J.H. Mensah, Dan Botwe, Asamoah Boateng, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and myself. I have omitted many due to lack of time and space.

All these were brave and loyal citizens who risked their lives and liberties for the freedoms we have today. That so many in the NPP can be counted amongst the ranks of these brave citizens of our land is perhaps testament to our party’s commitment to freedom. Furthermore, their names on this role is testament, not to cowardice as Prof. Mills claims but to bravery. Indeed, to have survived the dictatorship by maintaining silence in the face of the pervasive evil, as Prof Mills and many others did may have been prudent but it was not courageous. Those were the days when lawyers like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Sam Okudzeto stood like sentinels in our dark night showing that right will eventually triumph over the evil of the PNDC.

Maybe, if Prof Mills needs to be reminded of the events of those days, he should talk to his mentor, former President Rawlings. If Prof Mills could not join the many who sacrificed, let him not dishonour their service.

Next, Prof Mills’ promise to reduce the price of fuel is ridiculous. Ghanaians understand that certain things are beyond the complete control of our government and that the price of oil is one of these. When the NDC had a chance to prospect for oil with Prof Mills at the helm of Ghana’s economic management team and Hon John Mahama at his side, he chose to focus the GNPC on everything except prospecting for oil. He has no credibility on that issue.

Next, Prof. Mills accused the NPP government of carrying out arbitrary arrests, particularly with respect to drivers. Under the current democratic dispensation, all have a right to face their accusers in court. Indeed, many who have been accused have been acquitted by courts. The issue of drivers, the police and road safety must be carefully balanced in the interest of the public. The recent spate of accidents, many stemming from driver error and indiscipline is a major concern for all Ghanaians, including drivers. Where was Prof. Mills’ concern about arbitrary arrests when people were picked from their homes and either jailed or executed during the PNDC era?

Finally, all these are consistent with the NDC’s policy of lying about everything just to get elected. We urge the people of Ghana to reject this negative politics of lies and demand the politics of ideas.

We are for Free education for the Senior High School level and what is the NDC for?

We are for strengthening NHIS and extending its benefits to pregnant women and children and what are they for?

We are for bridging the gap between the north and the south and what are they for?

We will foster the environment for entrepreneurs to create the good, high-paying jobs of tomorrow and what are they for?

We are for doubling the size of the police and improving the quality of their training and what is the NDC for?

We are for a free, fair and peaceful election that will make Ghana the model for the Zimbabwe’s and the Kenyas of our world and what is the NDC for?

Let us demand better of the NDC.

Let us move forward!

Yenko yanim!

Zamu Gaba!

Arthur Kobina Kennedy
( Chair, Communication Committee)
2008 Campaign